Sep-20 Sun 10:53
Sisi discussed Middle East issues with the US intelligence chief and emphasized the importance of a peaceful solution.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with CIA Director John Ratcliffe on Sunday to discuss a range of regional issues. Egyptian Chief of General Intelligence Hassan Rashad was also present at the meeting. During the meeting, Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's full support for efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the Iranian crisis, stating that this would contribute to restoring security and stability in the region and guaranteeing freedom of international navigation. According to a statement from the Egyptian Presidency, Sisi also reiterated Egypt's firm stance on supporting the security and sovereignty of Arab states and rejecting any aggression against them. Sisi stressed the importance of resolving regional crises through political and diplomatic channels, comprehensively addressing their root causes, and ensuring the protection of national institutions and the unity and territorial integrity of states.
Egyptian Presidential Spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shanavy stated that developments in the Palestinian issue were also discussed during the meeting, and that Sisi emphasized the importance of the full implementation of the second phase of the US President's plan to consolidate the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Sisi praised the efforts of the mediators to reach a roadmap guaranteeing the implementation of this phase.
Sisi reiterated Egypt's firm stance, emphasizing the need to consolidate the ceasefire, protect civilians, ensure adequate and continuous access for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and create the appropriate conditions for restarting the political process for a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue in accordance with international law and the two-state solution.
The meeting also addressed the Sudanese crisis, with Sisi reaffirming Egypt's unwavering support for Sudan's unity, stability, and the preservation of its legitimate national institutions, emphasizing that Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity are inviolable principles.
Sisi stated that Egypt is actively and constructively involved in various international and regional frameworks regarding the Sudanese crisis, aiming to end the war, alleviate human suffering, and support the political solution process.
The spokesperson added that developments in the Horn of Africa were also discussed, with the Egyptian President confirming his full support for efforts to ensure security and stability in Somalia and categorically rejecting any violation of its sovereignty, unity, or territorial integrity.
The spokesperson said that the Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency CIA expressed his country's appreciation for Egypt's active role in supporting security and stability on the African continent, and emphasized the importance of ongoing coordination and consultation between relevant authorities in both countries, particularly on the Sudan crisis, the situation in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, and international maritime security issues. This coordination enhances the exchange of views, assessments, and information on various regional and international developments affecting the security and stability of the region, as well as supporting efforts to combat security and geopolitical challenges, terrorist organizations, and organized crime.